Menu
17/12/2008
Sarkozy Congratulates 'Irish Friends' On Promised Re-Vote
Top Euopean premier, Nicolas Sarkozy was full of compliments for the Irish following the Taoiseach's announcement last week that a re-vote on the Lisbon Treaty would go ahead.
The French President was speaking at he European Parliament this week before handing over the EU presidency to the Czech Republic at the end of the month, and after securing concessions made to secure a Yes vote in the next Lisbon Treaty referendum next year.
"Today 25 countries have almost concluded the ratification process of the Lisbon Treaty, and in the 26th, the Czech Republic, the constitutional court has just indicated that ratification can go ahead," the French Premier said.
He added: "If the Lisbon Treaty comes into being, there will be one commissioner per member state. This required an effort by some countries who believe that, to be effective, we need a smaller EU Commission. But we can only have the Lisbon Treaty if our Irish friends vote 'Yes'."
Mr Sarkozy also listed the concessions made including political commitments safeguarding neutrality, tax sovereignty and no EU interference in abortion laws, which he said were "no problem" for the rest of Europe.
Taoiseach Brian Cowen said last week that he would hold a second referendum on the Lisbon Treaty after receiving assurances at the EU summit in Brussels that it would not threaten Irish domestic policy.
(DW)
The French President was speaking at he European Parliament this week before handing over the EU presidency to the Czech Republic at the end of the month, and after securing concessions made to secure a Yes vote in the next Lisbon Treaty referendum next year.
"Today 25 countries have almost concluded the ratification process of the Lisbon Treaty, and in the 26th, the Czech Republic, the constitutional court has just indicated that ratification can go ahead," the French Premier said.
He added: "If the Lisbon Treaty comes into being, there will be one commissioner per member state. This required an effort by some countries who believe that, to be effective, we need a smaller EU Commission. But we can only have the Lisbon Treaty if our Irish friends vote 'Yes'."
Mr Sarkozy also listed the concessions made including political commitments safeguarding neutrality, tax sovereignty and no EU interference in abortion laws, which he said were "no problem" for the rest of Europe.
Taoiseach Brian Cowen said last week that he would hold a second referendum on the Lisbon Treaty after receiving assurances at the EU summit in Brussels that it would not threaten Irish domestic policy.
(DW)
Related Northern Ireland News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
29 September 2009
SDLP Leader Urges 'Yes' On Lisbon
Mark Durkan is heading back across the border today. Just days after taking part in a Dublin meeting to support a 'Yes' vote in the coming Irish referendum on the Lisbon Treaty, the SDLP Leader (pictured) is to join Brendan Smith, a local TD, in Cavan town to canvass support in Friday's referendum.
SDLP Leader Urges 'Yes' On Lisbon
Mark Durkan is heading back across the border today. Just days after taking part in a Dublin meeting to support a 'Yes' vote in the coming Irish referendum on the Lisbon Treaty, the SDLP Leader (pictured) is to join Brendan Smith, a local TD, in Cavan town to canvass support in Friday's referendum.
24 September 2009
SDLP Leader Wades Into Lisbon Debate
The leader of the SDLP was in Dublin yesterday to discuss the Lisbon Treaty. Mark Durkan (pictured) and the party's Deputy Leader Alasdair McDonnell led a party delegation to a meeting attended by other pro-Lisbon supporters including Irish government ministers.
SDLP Leader Wades Into Lisbon Debate
The leader of the SDLP was in Dublin yesterday to discuss the Lisbon Treaty. Mark Durkan (pictured) and the party's Deputy Leader Alasdair McDonnell led a party delegation to a meeting attended by other pro-Lisbon supporters including Irish government ministers.
20 September 2009
DURKAN, SMITH CANVASS FOR LISBON IN CAVAN
SDLP Leader Mark Durkan MP MLA will join Brendan Smith TD in Cavan town on Tuesday 29th September to canvass for a Yes vote in Friday’s referendum on the Lisbon Treaty. The canvassing team will meet at Tesco Supermarket on Main Street, Cavan at 6:30PM.
DURKAN, SMITH CANVASS FOR LISBON IN CAVAN
SDLP Leader Mark Durkan MP MLA will join Brendan Smith TD in Cavan town on Tuesday 29th September to canvass for a Yes vote in Friday’s referendum on the Lisbon Treaty. The canvassing team will meet at Tesco Supermarket on Main Street, Cavan at 6:30PM.
17 June 2008
Marginal Debate Enlivens Bush Visit
As always, when there's a high level meeting between heads of state, it is in the margins that real business is done.
Marginal Debate Enlivens Bush Visit
As always, when there's a high level meeting between heads of state, it is in the margins that real business is done.
21 October 2002
Irish 'Yes' to Nice Treaty gives EU enlargement go ahead
Ireland went to the polls on Saturday for a rerun of what has been a bitterly contested campaign over the Nice Treaty for EU enlargement. In a complete turnaround from the June 2001 vote, Ireland backed the treaty with an overwhelming 62% - which represented a 16% swing from last year's rejection.
Irish 'Yes' to Nice Treaty gives EU enlargement go ahead
Ireland went to the polls on Saturday for a rerun of what has been a bitterly contested campaign over the Nice Treaty for EU enlargement. In a complete turnaround from the June 2001 vote, Ireland backed the treaty with an overwhelming 62% - which represented a 16% swing from last year's rejection.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A cloudy day with outbreaks of mainly light rain at times, although there may be the odd heavier burst. Driest in the south and east during the afternoon. Moderate southwesterly winds. Maximum temperature 11 °C.Tonight:Staying cloudy throughout the evening and overnight period with a little rain or drizzle at times. Mild overnight with light winds. Minimum temperature 7 °C.
